Coritiba vs Cruzeiro Prediction: This match features two teams from the Z4

The outcome of this match could help reveal who drops to the Série B. Coritiba, in second-to-last place and 11 points off the relegation zone, is unlikely to be able to save itself. The Coxa needs to win all five of the remaining games and hope for a complete disaster from all of its opponents, so in theory, it will be the second team to be relegated, after América-MG, which has already dropped. Cruzeiro is also in a relegation position with 37 points, the same as Vasco da Gama and Bahia, both outside the Z4. However, the Fox has two games in hand, one against Vasco.

The Paranaenses beat América-MG 3-0 away from home, thus making the Mineiros' relegation official. With this victory, Coritiba also avoided dropping to last place, now five points ahead of the Rabbit. It's practically impossible for the Coxa to avoid relegation to the Série B, but at least it will try to escape last place. Coritiba could make life difficult for Cruzeiro as the players may feel they have nothing left to lose. However, the match won't take place at the Couto Pereira due to a rock concert, something that has been happening a lot lately in the Série A.

The Fox must win against one of the teams that will be relegated sooner or later. This is not so much because of the difference in the two sides' quality, which isn't even that great, but because psychologically, losing to the penultimate team in the table could weigh heavily on the Mineiros' minds for the final rounds of the league. Cruzeiro lost its last two matches and entered the relegation zone for the first time. Although this has happened due to the two postponed games, its current position in the standings is still very uncomfortable.

Bearing in mind that Cruzeiro plays better away from home, I'm leaning more towards a win for the Belo Horizonte side. The team knows how important this match is, and the fact that Coritiba is not playing in its stadium could help. Despite having two games in hand, Cruzeiro will have a tough schedule in the last rounds, so winning this match is a must.